Effective July 2008, the Allegheny County Health Department mandated that all public, private, parochial, cyber and home-school students in Allegheny County will NOT be permitted to attend school without proof of receiving the required immunizations:

IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12

4 doses of tetanus toxoid (1 dose must have been given on or after the 4th birthday)

NOTE: if series started after 7 years of age, only 3 doses required.

4 doses of diphtheria vaccine (1 dose must have been given on or after 4th birthday)

NOTE: if series started after 7 years of age, only 3 doses required.

3 doses of polio vaccine

2 doses of measles vaccine

2 doses of mumps vaccine

1 dose of rubella vaccine

3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine

2 doses of varicella vaccine, or written statement from physician/designee indicating month and year of disease or serologic proof of immunity

ADDITIONAL IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12

1 dose tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine (Tdap)

1 dose of meningitis vaccine (MCV4)

Exemptions to Immunizations:

Medical Exemptions

a physician must provide a written statement that immunizations may be detrimental to the health of the child

Religious Exemptions

a parent/guardian must state their objection to the specific immunization(s) in writing based on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction

AN EXEMPT STUDENT MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM ATTENDING SCHOOL DURING A PREVENTABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK

According to Pennsylvania School Health Chapter 23 - Section 1402, the following screenings and examinations are mandated. The screenings are performed by the certified school nurses and their assistants and should not be substituted for regular check-ups with your child’s physician. The examinations need to be performed by a physician/dentist.

SCREENINGS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12:

height/weight/BMI (Body mass index)

vision

SCREENINGS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-3; 7 AND 11 (and new students):

hearing

SCREENING FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 6 AND 7(and new students):

scoliosis

If a student does not pass any portion of the mandated screenings, a referral will be sent home to the parent/guardian.

If a parent/guardian/teacher has any concerns regarding a vision or hearing issue, please contact that child’s certified school nurse to discuss.

EXAMINATIONS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1, 6 AND 11 (and new students)

physical exam

NOTE: 6th grade exams should include a scoliosis screen

EXAMINATIONS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1, 3 AND 7 (and new students)

dental exam

It is recommended that these examinations be completed by your private physician/dentist who is more familiar with your child’s medical history. The required examinations may be done within one year from the start of the current school year.

If you are unable to have these examinations completed by your child’s private physician/dentist, our school physician and/or dentist will be able to complete the examination (at no cost to the parent/guardian) with a parent/guardian permission form completed.